The Burial of the Dead

  A small selection from:
  The Book of Common Prayer:  E-text Edition (American, 1979)
  Version 1.0
  13 December 1993




=============================================================================




<page 469>



<The Burial of the Dead:
Rite One>

*All stand while one or more of the following anthems are sung or said*

I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord;
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live;
and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth;
and though this body be destroyed, yet shall I see God;
whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold,
and not as a stranger.

For none of us liveth to himself,
and no man dieth to himself.
For if we live, we live unto the Lord.
and if we die, we die unto the Lord.
Whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord;
even so saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors.


*The Celebrant says one of the following Collects, first saying*

The Lord be with you.

*People*  And with thy spirit.

*Celebrant* Let us pray.

<page 470>

=At the Burial of an Adult=

O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered:  Accept our
prayers on behalf of thy servant &N., and grant =him= an
entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of
thy saints; through Jesus Crhist thy Son our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, on God, now
and for ever.  =Amen.=


=At the Burial of a Child=

O God, whose beloved Son did take little children into his
arms and bless them:  Give us grace, we beseech thee, to
entrust this child &N. to thy never-failing care and love, and
bring us all to thy heavenly kingdom; through the same thy
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  =Amen.=


*The people sit*

*One or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read.  If
there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always
concludes the Readings.*


<From the Old Testament>

  Isaiah 25:6-9 (He will swallow up death in victory)

  Isaiah 61:1-3 (To comfort all that mourn)

  Lamentations 3:22-26, 31-33 (The Lord is good unto them
that wait for him)

  Wisdom 3:1-5,9 (The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God)

  Job 19:21-27a (I know that my Redeemer liveth)


*After the Old Testament Lesson, a suitable canticle or one of the 
following Psalms may be sung or said.*

<page 471>


<Psalm 42>  =Quemadmodum=

Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, *
 so longeth my soul after thee, O God.

My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God; *
 when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

My tears have been my meat day and night, *
 while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?

Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself; *
 for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into
/the house of God;

Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul? *
 and why art thou so disquieted within me?

O put thy trust in God; *
 for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my
/countenance, and my God.


<Psalm 46>  =Deus noster refugium=

God is our hope and strength, *
 a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, *
 and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof rage and swell, *
 and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.

There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, *
 the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most Highest.

<page 472>

God is in the midst of her,
therefore shall she not be removed; *
 God shall help her, and that right early.

Be still then, and know that I am God; *
 I will be exalted among the nations,
 and I will be exalted in the earth.

The LORD of hosts is with us; *
 the God of Jacob is our refuge.


<Psalm 90>  =Domino, refugium=

LORD, thou hast been our refuge, *
 from one generation to another.

Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever the earth and the world were made, *
 thou art God from everlasting, and the world without end.

Thou turnest man to destruction; *
 again thou sayest, Come again, ye children of men.

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday
/when it is past, *
 and as a watch in the night.

As soon as thou scatterest them they are even as a sleep, *
 and fade away suddenly like the grass.

In the morning it is green, and groweth up; *
 but in the evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered.

For we consume away in thy displeasure, *
 and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation.

Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee, *
 and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

<page 473>

For when thou are angry all our days are gone; *
 we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.

The days of our age are threescore years and ten;
and though men be so strong that thy come to fourscore years, *
 yet is their strength then but labor and sorrow,
 so soon passeth it away, and we are gone.

So teach us to number our days, *
 that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.


<Psalm 121>  =Levavi oculos=

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills; *
 from whence cometh my help?

My help cometh even from the LORD, *
 who hath made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved, *
 and he that keepeth thee will not sleep.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel *
 shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD himself is thy keeper; *
 the LORD is thy defence upon thy right hand;

So that the sun shall not burn by day, *
 neither the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; *
 yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, *
 from this time forth for evermore.

<page 474>


<Psalm 130>  =De profundis=

Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O LORD; *
 Lord, hear my voice.

O let thine ears consider well *
 the voice of my complaint.

If thou, LORD, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, *
 O Lord, who may abide it?

Fore there is mercy with thee, *
 therefore shalt thou be feared.

I look for the LORD; my soul doth wait for him; *
 in his word is my trust.

My soul fleeth unto the Lord before the morning watch; *
 I say, before the morning watch.

O Israel, trust in the LORD, 
for with the LORD there is mercy, *
 and with him is plenteous redemption.

And he shall redeem Israel *
 from all his sins.


<Psalm 139>  =Domine, probasti=

O LORD, thou hast searched me out, and known me. *
 Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising;
 thou understandest my thoughts long before.

Thou art about my path, and about my bed, *
 and art acquainted with all my ways.

For lo, there is not a word in my tongue, *
 but thou, O LORD, knowest it altogether.

<page 475>

Thou hast beset me behind and before, *
 and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me; *
 I cannot attain unto it.

Whither shall I go then from thy Spirit? *
 or whither shall I go then from thy presence?

If I climb up into heaven, thou art there; *
 if I go down to hell, thou art there also.

If I take the wings of the morning, *
 and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there also shall thy hand lead me, *
 and thy right hand shall hold me.

If I say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover me, *
 then shall my night be turned to day.

Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee, 
but the night is as clear as day; *
 the darkness and light to thee are both alike.


<From the New Testament>

  Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39 (The glory that shall be revealed)

  1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 (Raised in incorruption)

  2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9 (Things which are not seen are eternal)

  1 John 3:1-2 (We shall be like him)

  Revelation 7:9-17 (God shall wipe away all tears)

  Revelation 21:2-7 (Behold, I make all things new)


*After the New Testament Lesson, a suitable canticle or hymn, or one of 
the following Psalms may be sung or said*

<Page 476>


<Psalm 23>  =Dominus regit me=

The LORD is my shepherd; *
 therefore can I lack nothing.

He shall feed me in a green pasture, *
 and lead me forth in the paths of righteousness for his
/Name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; *
 for thou art with me;
 thy rod and thy staff comfort me.

Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them
/that trouble me; *
 thou hast anointed my head with oil,
 and my cup shall be full.

Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the
/days of my life; *
 and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


<Psalm 23>  =King James Version=

The LORD is my shepherd; *
 I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; *
 he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul; *
 he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
/Name's sake.

<page 477>

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; *
 for thou are with me;
 thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
/mine enemies; *
 thou annointest my head with oil;
 my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days 
/of my life, *
 and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


<Psalm 27>  =Dominus illuminatio=

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? *
 the LORD is the strength of my life;
 of whom then shall I be afraid?

One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will require, *
 even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the
/days of my life,
 to behold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle; *
 yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me,
 and set me up upon a rock of stone.

And now shall he lift up mine head *
 above mine enemies round about me.

Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with
/great gladness; *
 I will sing and speak praises unto the LORD.

Hearken unto my voice, O LORD, when I cry unto thee; *
 have mercy upon me, and hear me.

<page 478>

My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face. *
  Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

O hide not thou thy face from me, *
 nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.

I should utterly have fainted, *
 but that I believe verily to see the goodness of the LORD in
/the land of the living.

O tarry thou the LORD's leisure; *
 be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart;
 and put thou thy trust in the LORD.


<Psalm 106>  =Confitemini Domino=

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is gracious, *
 and his mercy endureth for ever.

Who can express the noble acts of the LORD, *
 or show forth all his praise?

Blessed are they that alway keep judgment, *
 and do righteousness.

Remember me, O LORD, according to the favor that thou
/bearest unto thy people; *
 O visit me with thy salvation.

That I may see the felicity of thy chosen, *
 and rejoice in the gladness of thy people,
 and give thanks with thine inheritance.


<Psalm 116>  =Dilexi, quoniam=

My delight is in the LORD, *
 because he hath heard the voice of my prayer;

<page 479>

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, *
 therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

The snares of death compassed me round about, *
 and the pains of hell gat hold upon me.

I found trouble and heaviness;
then called I upon the Name of the LORD; *
 O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; *
 yea, our God is merciful.

The LORD preserveth the simple; *
 I was in misery, and he helped me.

Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul, *
 for the LORD hath rewarded thee.

And why?  thou hast delivered my soul from death, *
 mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

I will walk before the LORD *
 in the land of the living.

I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people; *
 right dear in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.


<The Gospel>

*Then, all standing, the Deacon or Minister appointed reads the Gospel,
first saying*

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to John.

*People*  Glory be to thee, O Lord.

<page 480>

  John 5:24-27  (He that believeth hath everlasting life)

  John 6:37-40  (All that the Father giveth me shall come to me)

  John 10:11-16  (I am the good shepherd)

  John  11:21-27  (I am the resurrection and the life)

  John 14:1-6  (In my Father's house are many mansions)


*At the end of the Gospel, the Reader says*

The Gospel of the Lord.

*People*  Praise be to thee, O Christ.


*A homily may be preached, the people being seated.*

*The Apostle's creed may be said, all standing*

*If there is not to be a Communion, the Lord's Prayer is said here, and 
the service continues with the following prayer of intercession, or with 
one or more suitable prayers (see pages 487-489).*

*When there is a Communion, the following serves for the Prayers of the 
People.*


*The People respond to every petition with Amen.*

*The Deacon or other leader says*

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one
communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son
Christ our Lord:  Grant, we beseech thee, to thy whole
Church in paradise and on earth, thy light and thy peace.
=Amen.=

Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ's death and
resurrection may die to sin and rise to newness of life, and
that through the grave and gate of death we may pass with
him to our joyful resurrection.  =Amen.=

<page 481>

Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as
yet by faith, that thy Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and
righteousness all our days.  =Amen.=

Grant to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that we may
be cleansed from all our sins, and serve thee with a quiet
mind.  =Amen.=

Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in thy fatherly
care, that, casting all their grief on thee, they may know the
consolation of thy love.  =Amen.=

[[Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they
may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a
reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of eternal
life with those they love.  =Amen.=.]]

[[Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand,
to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness
of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting.  =Amen.=]]

[[Grant us grace to entrust &N. to thy never-failing love; receive
=him= into the arms of thy mercy, and remember =him= according
to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people.  =Amen.=]]

[[Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, =he= may
go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in
thy heavenly kingdom.  =Amen.=]]

Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the
resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy
eternal and everlasting glory, and, with [blessed &N. and]
all thy saints, to receive the crown of life which thou dost
promise to all who share in the victory of thy Son Jesus
Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  =Amen.=

*When there is no Communion, the service continues with the
Commendation, or with the Commital.*

<page 482>


<At the Eucharist>

*The service continues with the Peace and the Offertory.*

=Preface of the Commemoration of the Dead=

*In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said*

Almighty God, we thank thee that in thy great love thou hast 
fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and 
Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and hast given unto us a
foretaste of thy heavenly banquet.  Grant that this Sacrament
may be unto us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our
inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither
sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all thy saints;
through Jesus Christ our Savior.  =Amen.=

*If the body is not present, the service continues with the [blessing 
and] dismissal.*

*Unless the Committal follows immediately in the church, the following 
Commendation is used.*


<The Commendation>

*The Celebrant and other ministers take their places at the body.*

*This anthem, or some other suitable anthem, or a hymn, may be sung or
said*

Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant(s) with thy saints,
=where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.=

Thou only art immortal, the creator and maker of mankind;
and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and unto earth shall
we return.  For so thou didst ordain when thou createdst me,
saying, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."  All
<page 483>
we go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make
our song:  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

=Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant(s) with thy saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.=


*The Celebrant, facing the body, says*

Into thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant
&N.  Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine
own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own
redeeming.  Receive =him= into the arms of thy mercy, into the
blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious
company of the saints in light.  =Amen.=


*The Celebrant, or the Bishop if present, may then bless the people, and 
a Deacon or other Minister may dismiss them, saying*

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
=Thanks be to God.=


*As the body is borne from the church, a hymn, or one or more of these
anthems may be sung or said*

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,
and giving life to those in the tomb.

The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to
those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having
taken away the sin of the world.

Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in
his Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father; inherit the
kingdom prepared for you.

<page 484>

Into paradise may the angels lead thee; and at thy coming
may the martyrs receive thee, and bring thee into the holy
city Jerusalem.

*or one of these Canticles*

  The Song of Zechariah, =Benedictus=

  The Song of Simeon, =Nunc dimittis=

  Christ our Passover, =Pascha nostrum=


<The Committal>

*The following anthem is sung or said*

In the midst of life we are in death;
of whom may we seek for succor,
but of thee, O Lord,
who for our sins art justly displeased?

Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty,
O holy and most merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.

Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts;
shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer;
but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty,
O holy and merciful Savior,
thou most worthy Judge eternal.
Suffer us not, at our last hour,
through any pains of death, to fall from thee.

*or this*

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

<page 485>

He that raised up Jesus from the dead
will also give life to our mortal bodies,
by his Spirit that dwelleth in us.

Wherefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoiceth;
my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Thou shalt show me the path of life;
in thy presence is the fullness of joy,
and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.


*Then, while earth is cast upon the coffin, the Celebrant says these 
words*

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life
through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty
God our =brother= &N.; and we commit =his= body to the ground;**
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  The Lord bless
=him= and keep =him=, the Lord make his face to shine upon =him=
and be gracious unto =him=, the Lord lift up his countenance
upon =him= and give =him= peace.  =Amen.=

  ** *Or* the deep, *or* the elements, *or* its resting place.


*The Celebrant says*

The Lord be with you.

*People*  And with thy spirit.

*Celebrant*  Let us pray.


*Celebrant and People*

Our Father, who art in heaven,
 hallowed be thy Name,
 thy kingdom come,
 thy will be done,
  on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
<page 486>
And forgive us our trespasses,
 as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
 for ever and ever.  =Amen.=


*Then the Celebrant may say*

O Almighty God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, who by a
voice from heaven didst proclaim, Blessed are the dead who
die in the Lord:  Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest
in Jesus the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good
work which thou didst begin in them may be made perfect
unto the day of Jesus Christ.  And of thy mercy, O heavenly
Father, grant that we, who now serve thee on earth, may at
last, together with them, be partakers of the inheritance of
the saints in light; for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our
Lord.  =Amen.=


*In place of this prayer, or in addition to it, the Celebrant may use 
any of the Additional Prayers.*


*Then may be said*

Rest eternal grant to =him=, O Lord:
=And let light perpetual shine upon *him*.=

May =his= soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  =Amen.=


*The Celebrant dismisses the people with these words*

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through
<page 487>
the blood of the everlasting covenant:  Make you perfect in
every good work to do his will, working in you that which is
well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory for ever and ever.  =Amen.=


<The Consecration of a Grave>

*If the grave is in a place that has not previously been set apart for
Christian burial, the Priest may use the following prayer, either before
the service of Committal or at some other convenient time.*

O God, whose blessed Son was laid in a sepulcher in the
garden:  Bless, we pray, this grave, and grant that =he= whose
body is (is to be) buried here may dwell with Christ in 
paradise, and may come to thy heavenly kingdom; through
thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=


<Additional Prayers>

Almighty and everliving God, we yield unto thee most high
praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue
declared in all thy saints, who have been the choice vessels
of thy grace, and the lights of the world in their several
generations; most humbly beseeching thee to give us grace so
to follow the example of their steadfastness in thy faith, and
obedience to thy holy commandments, that at the day of the
general resurrection, we, with all those who are of the
mystical body of thy Son, may be set on his right hand, and
hear that his most joyful voice:  "Come, ye blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world."  Grant this, O Father, for the sake
of the same thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and
Advocate.  =Amen.=

<page 488>

Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who
depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the 
faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh,
are in joy and felicity:  We give thee hearty thanks for the
good examples of all those thy servants, who, having finished
their course in faith, do now rest from their labors.  And we
beseech thee that we, with all those who are departed in
the true faith of thy holy Name, may have our perfect
consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy
eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.  =Amen.=

Into thy hands, O Lord, we commend thy servant &N., our
dear =brother=, as into the hands of a faithful Creator and most
merciful Savior, beseeching thee that =he= may be precious in
thy sight.  Wash =him=, we pray thee, in the blood of that
immaculate Lamb that was slain to take away the sins of the
world; that, whatsoever defilements =he= may have contracted
in the midst of this earthly life being purged and done away,
=he= may be presented pure and without spot before thee;
through the merits of Jesus Christ thine only Son our Lord.
=Amen.=

Remember thy servant, O Lord, according to the favor which
thou bearest unto thy people; and grant that, increasing in
knowledge and love of thee, =he= may go from strength to
strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the
living and the dead:  We give thee thanks for all thy servants
who have laid down their lives in the service of our country.
Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence; and
give us such a lively sense of thy righteous will, that the work
<page 489>
which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through
Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord.  =Amen.=

O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies
cannot be numbered:  Make us, we beseech thee, deeply
sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of life; and let thy
Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days;
that, when we shall have served thee in our generation, we
may be gathered unto our fathers, having the testimony of a
good conscience; in the communion of the Catholic Church;
in the confidence of a certain faith; in the comfort of a
reasonable, religious, and holy hope; in favor with thee our
God; and in perfect charity with the world.  All which we ask
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=

O God, the King of saints, we praise and magnify thy holy
Name for all thy servants who have finished their course in
thy faith and fear; for the blessed Virgin Mary; for the holy
patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs; and for all other
thy righteous servants, known to us and unknown; and we
beseech thee that, encouraged by their examples, aided by
their prayers, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also
may be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray thee to
set thy passion, cross, and death, between thy judgment and
our souls, now and in the hour of our death.  Give mercy and
grace to the living, pardon and rest to the dead, to thy holy
Church peace and concord, and to us sinners everlasting life
and glory; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and 
reignest, one God, now and for ever.  =Amen.=

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort:
Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that
casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of
thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=

<page 490>


*Concerning the Service*

*The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as 
possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in 
consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation.*

*Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church.  The service 
should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be 
present.*

*The coffin is to be closed before the service, and it remains closed 
thereafter.  It is appropriate that it be covered with a pall or other 
suitable covering.*

*If necessary, or if desired, all or part of the service of Committal 
may be said in the church.  If preferred, the Committal service may take 
place before the service in the church.  It may also be used prior to 
cremation.*

*A priest normally presides at the service.  It is appropriate that the 
bishop, when present, preside at the Eucharist and pronounce the 
Commendation.*

*It is desirable that the Lesson from the Old Testament, and the 
Epistle, be read by lay persons.*

*When the services of a priest cannot be obtained, a deacon or lay 
reader may preside at the service.*

*At the burial of a child, the passages from Lamentations, 1 John, and 
John 6, together with Psalm 23, are recommended.*

*It is customary that the celebrant meet the body and go before it into 
the church or towards the grave.*

*The anthems at the beginning of the service are sung or said as the 
body is borne into the church, or during the entrance of the ministers, 
or by the celebrant standing in the accustomed place.*

<page 491>


<The Burial of the Dead:
Rite Two>

*All stand while one or more of the following anthems is sung or said. A 
hymn, psalm, or some other suitable anthem may be sung instead.*

I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord.
Whoever has faith in me shall have life,
even though he die.
And everyone who has life,
and has committed himself to me in faith,
shall not die for ever.

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives
and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. 
After my awaking, he will raise me up;
and in my body I shall see God.
I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him
who is my friend and not a stranger.

For none of us has life in himself,
and none becomes his own master when he dies. 
For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord, 
and if we die, we die in the Lord.
So, then, whether we live or die,
we are the Lord's possession.

<page 492>

Happy from now on
are those who die in the Lord!
So it is, says the Spirit,
for they rest from their labors.

*Or else this anthem*

In the midst of life we are in death;
from whom can we seek help?
From you alone, O Lord,
who by our sins are justly angered.

=Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.=

Lord, you know the secrets of our hearts;
shut not your ears to our prayers,
but spare us, O Lord.

=Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.=

O worthy and eternal Judge,
do not let the pains of death
turn us away from you at our last hour.

=Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.=

*When all are in place, the Celebrant may address the congregation, 
acknowledging briefly the purpose of the gathering, and bidding their 
prayers for the deceased and the bereaved.*

<page 493>

*The Celebrant then says* 

The Lord be with you.

*People*  And also with you.

*Celebrant* Let us pray.


*Silence may be kept; after which the Celebrant says one of the
following Collects*


=At the Burial of an Adult=

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus 
Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to 
light: Grant that your servant &N., being raised with him, may 
know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal 
glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for 
ever and ever.  =Amen.=

*or this*

O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our 
prayers on behalf of your servant &N., and grant =him= an 
entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of 
your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and 
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 
ever.  =Amen.=

*or this*

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day 
our brother (sister) &N.  We thank you for giving =him= to us, =his= 
family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on 
our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, 
console us who mourn.  Give us faith to see in death the gate 
of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue 
our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with 
those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

<page 494>


=At the Burial of a Child=

O God, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and 
blessed them: Give us grace to entrust &N. to your never-
failing care and love, and bring us all to your heavenly 
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and 
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 
ever.  =Amen.=


*The Celebrant may add the following prayer*

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our 
understanding: Deal graciously with &N.&N. in =their= grief.  
Surround =them= with you love, that =they= may not be 
overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your 
goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=

*The people sit.*

*One or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If 
there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes 
the Readings.*


<The Liturgy of the Word>

*From the Old Testament*

  Isaiah 25:6-9    (He will swallow up death for ever)

  Isaiah 61:1-3    (To comfort those who mourn)

  Lamentations 3:22-26,31-33    (The Lord is good to those who wait for 
him) 

  Wisdom 3:1-5,9    (The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God) 

  Job 19:21-27a    (I know that my Redeemer lives)

*A suitable psalm, hymn, or canticle may follow.  The following Psalms 
are appropriate: 42:1-7, 46, 90:1-12, 121, 130, 139:1-11.*

<page 495>

*From the New Testament*

  Romans 8:14-19,34-35,37-39    (The glory that shall be revealed) 1

  Corinthians 15:2-26,35-38,42-44,53-58    (The imperishable body)

  2 Corinthians 4:16--5:9    (Things that are unseen are eternal)

  1 John 3:1-2    (We shall be like him)

  Revelation 7:9-17    (God will wipe away every tear)

  Revelation 21:2-7    (Behold, I make all things new)


*A suitable psalm, hymn, or canticle may follow.  The following Psalms
are appropriate: 23, 27, 106:1-5, 116.*


*The Gospel*

*Then, all standing, the Deacon or Minister appointed reads the Gospel, 
first saying*

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. 

*People*  Glory to you, Lord Christ.

  John 5:24-27    (He who believes has everlasting life)

  John 6:37-40    (All that the Father gives me will come to you)

  John 10:11-16    (I am the good shepherd)

  John 11:21-27    (I am the resurrection and the life)

  John 14:1-6    (In my Father's house are many rooms)


*At the end of the Gospel, the Reader says*

The Gospel of the Lord.

*People*  Praise to you, Lord Christ.

*Here there may be a homily by the Celebrant, or a member of the family, 
or a friend.*

<page 496>

*The Apostles' Creed may then be said, all standing.  The Celebrant may 
introduce the Creed with these or similar words*

In the assurance of eternal life given at Baptism, let us 
proclaim our faith and say,


*Celebrant and People*

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
 creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
 He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
  and born of the Virgin Mary.
 He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
 was crucified, died, and was buried.
 He descended to the dead.
 On the third day he rose again.
 He ascended into heaven,
  and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
 He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
 the holy catholic Church,
 the communion of saints,
 the forgiveness of sins,
 the resurrection of the body,
 and the life everlasting.  Amen.

*If there is not to be a Communion, the Lord's Prayer is said here, and 
the service continues with the Prayers of the People, or with one or 
more suitable prayers (see pages 503-505).*

*When there is a Communion, the following form of the Prayers of the 
People is used, or else the form on page 465 or 480.*

<page 497>

For our brother (sister) &N., let us pray to our Lord Jesus 
Christ who said, I am Resurrection and I am Life."

Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw 
near to us who mourn for &N., and dry the tears of those who 
weep.
=Hear us, Lord.=

You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in
our sorrow.
=Hear us, Lord.=

You raised the dead to life; give to our brother (sister) eternal 
life.
=Hear us, Lord.=

You promised paradise to the thief who repented; bring our
brother (sister) to the joys of heaven.
=Hear us, Lord.=

[[Our brother (sister) was washed in Baptism and anointed 
with the Holy Spirit; give him fellowship with all your saints.
=Hear us, Lord.=]]

[[He was nourished with your Body and Blood; grant =him= a 
place at the table in your heavenly kingdom.
=Hear us, Lord.=]]

Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother 
(sister); let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our 
hope.

*Silence may be kept.*

*The Celebrant concludes with one of the following or some other prayer*

<page 498>

Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother (sister) 
&N., who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism.  
Grant that =his= death may recall to us your victory over death, 
and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father's 
love.  Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led 
the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy 
Spirit, to the ages of ages.  =Amen.=

*or this*

Father of all, we pray to you for &N., and for all those whom 
we love but see no longer.  Grant to them eternal rest.  Let 
light perpetual shine upon them.  May =his= soul and the souls 
of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  
=Amen.=

*When there is no Communion, the service continues with the 
Commendation, or with the Committal.*


<At the Eucharist>

*The service continues with the Peace and the Offertory*


=Preface of the Commemoration of the Dead=

*In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said*

Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have 
fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and 
Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste 
of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be 
to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance 
in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor 
crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through 
Jesus Christ our Savior.  =Amen.=

<page 499>

*If the body is not present, the service continues with the [blessing 
and] dismissal.*

*Unless the Committal follows immediately in the church, the following 
Commendation is used.*


<The Commendation>

*The Celebrant and other ministers take their places at the body.*

*This anthem, or some other suitable anthem, or a hymn, may be sung or 
said*

Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints,
=where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.=

You only are immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; 
and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we 
return.  For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, 
"You are dust, and to dust you shall return."  All of us go down 
to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, 
alleluia, alleluia.

=Give rest, O Christ, to your servant(s) with your saints,
where sorrow and pain are no more,
neither sighing, but life everlasting.=


*The Celebrant, facing the body, says*

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your 
servant &N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of 
your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your 
own redeeming.  Receive =him= into the arms of your mercy, 
into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the 
glorious company of the saints in light.  =Amen.=

<page 500>

*The Celebrant, or the Bishop if present, may then bless the people, and 
a Deacon or other Minister may dismiss them, saying*

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
=Thanks be to God.=

*As the body is borne from the church, a hymn, or one or more of these 
anthems may be sung or said.*

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, 
and giving life to those in the tomb.

The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to 
those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having 
taken away the sin of the world.

Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in 
his Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father; inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you.

Into paradise may the angels lead you.  At your coming may 
the martyrs receive you, and bring you into the holy city 
Jerusalem.

*or one of these Canticles,*

  The Song of Zechariah, Benedictus

  The Song of Simeon, Nunc dimittis

  Christ our Passover, Pascha nostrum

<age 501>


<The Committal>

*The following anthem or one of those on pages 491-492 is sung or said*

Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me;
I will never turn away anyone who believes in me.

He who raised Jesus Christ from the dead
will also give new life to our mortal bodies
through his indwelling Spirit.

My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices;
my body also shall rest in hope.

You will show me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

*Then, while earth is cast on upon the coffin, the Celebrant says these 
words*

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty 
God our =brother= &N., and we commit =his= body to the ground;**
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  The Lord bless 
=him= and keep =him=, the Lord make his face to shine upon =him= 
and be gracious to =him=, the Lord lift up his countenance upon 
=him= and give =him= peace.  =Amen.=

  ** *Or* the deep, *or* the elements, *or* its resting place.


*The Celebrant says*

The Lord be with you.

*People*  And also with you.

*Celebrant*  Let us pray.

<page 502>

*People and Celebrant*

Our Father, who art in heaven,
 hallowed be thy Name,
 thy kingdom come,
 thy will be done,
/on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
 as we forgive those
/who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
 and the power, and the glory,
 for ever and ever.  Amen.

<parallel column>

Our Father in heaven,
 hallowed be your Name,
 your kingdom come,
 your will be done,
/on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
 as we forgive those
/who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
 and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
 and the glory are yours,
 now and for ever.  Amen.


*Then may be said*

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord;
=And let light perpetual shine upon him.=

May his soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  =Amen.=


*The Celebrant dismisses the people with these words*

Alleluia.  Christ is risen.

*People*  The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia. 

*Celebrant*  Let us go forth in the name of Christ. 

*People*     Thanks be to God.

*or with the following*

<page 503>

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our 
Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through 
the blood of the eternal covenant: Make you perfect in 
every good work to do his will, working in you that which is 
well-pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be 
glory for ever and ever.  =Amen.=


<The Consecration of a Grave>

*If the grave is in a place that has not previously been set apart for 
Christian burial, the Priest may use the following prayer, either before 
the service of Committal or at some other time.*

O God, whose blessed Son was laid in a sepulcher in the 
garden: Bless, we pray, this grave, and grant that =he= whose 
body is (is to be) buried here may dwell with Christ in 
paradise, and may come to your heavenly kingdom; through 
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=


<Additional Prayers>

Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who 
die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in 
joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good 
examples of all your servants, who, having finished their 
course in faith, now find rest and refreshment.  May we, with 
all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have 
perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting 
glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=

<age 504>

O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies 
cannot be numbered: Make us, we pray, deeply aware of the 
shortness and uncertainty of human life; and let your Holy 
Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; that, 
when we shall have served you in our generation, we may be 
gathered to our ancestors, having the testimony of a good 
conscience, in the communion of the Catholic Church, in the 
confidence of a certain faith, in the comfort of a religious and 
holy hope, in favor with you, our God, and in perfect charity 
with the world.  All this we ask through Jesus Christ
our Lord.  =Amen.=

O God, the King of saints, we praise and glorify your holy 
Name for all your servants who have finished their course in 
your faith and fear: for the blessed Virgin Mary; for the holy 
patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs; and for all your 
other righteous servants, known to us and unknown; and we 
pray that, encouraged by their examples, aided by their 
prayers, and strengthened by their fellowship, we also may 
be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through 
the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away thy sting of 
death:  Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where 
you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep 
peacefully in you ad wake up in your likeness; for your 
tender mercies' sake.  =Amen.=

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no 
longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon 
them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work 
in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord.  =Amen.=

<page 505>

Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the 
Resurrection and the Life: Raise us, we humbly pray, from 
the death of sin to the life of righteousness; that when we 
depart this life we may rest in him, and at the resurrection 
receive that blessing which your well-beloved Son shall then 
pronounce: "Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the 
kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world."  
Grant this, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our 
Mediator and Redeemer.  =Amen.=

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and 
courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to 
come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those 
without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great 
goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with 
those they love.  And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ 
our Savior.  =Amen.=

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal 
graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all 
their care on you, they may know the consolation of your 
love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

<page 506>



<An Order for Burial>

*When, for pastoral considerations, neither of the burial rites in this 
Book is deemed appropriate, the following form is used.*

  1.  The body is received.  The celebrant may meet the body and conduct 
it into the church or chapel, or it may be in place before the 
congregation assembles.

  2.  Anthems from Holy Scripture or psalms may be sung or said, or a 
hymn may be sung.

  3.  Prayer may be offered for the bereaved.

  4.  One or more passages of Holy Scripture are read.  Psalms, hymns, 
or anthems may follow the readings.  If there is to be a Communion, the 
last Reading is from the Gospel.

  5.  A homily may follow the Readings, and the Apostles' Creed may be 
recited.

  6.  Prayer, including the Lord's Prayer, is offered for the deceased, 
for those who mourn, and for the Christian community, remembering the 
promises of God in Christ about eternal life.

  7.  The deceased is commended to God, and the body is committed to its 
resting place.  The committal may take place either where the preceding 
service has been held, or at the graveside.

  8.  If there is a Communion, it precedes the commendation, and begins 
with the Peace and Offertory of the Eucharist.  Any of the authorized 
eucharistic prayers may be used.

<page 507>


<Note:>

*The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy.  It finds all meaning in 
the resurrection.  Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall 
be raised.*

*The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that 
"neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things 
present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor 
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love 
of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."*

*This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian.  The very 
love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are 
parted by death.  Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend.  So, 
while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence 
of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.*



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Exploring The Waste Land - [Home] [E-mail] File date: Sunday, September 29, 2002